Friday, 13 June 2014

Police in bloody clash with hawkers

From The Citizen Daily, Dar es SalaamBy Emmanuel Chacha

Mwanza. The city centre here yesterday was once again rocked by violence as small traders commonly known as machinga, fiercely protested authorities’ decision to demolish their stalls along Makoroboi Street.

Anti-riot police responded with teargas to calm down the situation. The violence erupted around 9pm and it lasted five hours, compelling business activities to stop as many shops were closed and people vacated the areas in fear.

The popular Nyerere Road in the central business district was temporarily closed and the whole Makoroboi Street was evacuated as police tried to disperse the machinga by firing teargas while the traders resisted with stone throwing.